Lawrence man pleads no contest in wife’s death

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 67-year-old Lawrence man has pleaded no contest in the death of his ailing wife.

Larry Hopkins entered the plea Thursday in Douglas County court to one count of first-degree murder in the November 2013 shooting of 61-year-old Margaret Hopkins. Investigators said Hopkins told police he killed his wife because of her ongoing health problems.

6NewsLawrence reports (http://bit.ly/1g57MgL ) that Hopkins previously pleaded not guilty in January. He also underwent an evaluation by mental health specialist and was found competent to stand trial.

Hopkins could face life in prison with parole after 25 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 15.